For business owners and hardworking truck operators, a light-duty diesel truck isn’t just transportation—it’s the backbone of your work. Your truck needs to perform at its best every day, but when your Cummins, Duramax, or Powerstroke engine starts acting up, every minute off the road costs you time and money.
At Archie & Sons Diesel Repair in Dudley, NC, we know that keeping your truck running means keeping your business moving. We specialize in light-duty diesel repair, using OEM dealer scan tools and advanced diesel engine diagnostics to quickly identify and fix problems. Below are some of the most common diesel truck engine issues we see—and how we can get you back on the road fast.
1. Difficulty Starting in Cold Weather
The Problem
Cold weather is tough on diesel engines, and if your truck struggles to start, it’s likely due to failing glow plugs, weak batteries, or fuel gelling issues.
Warning Signs
- Long cranking before the engine fires up
- White smoke from the exhaust after startup
- Clicking noises from the starter
How We Fix It
At Archie & Sons Diesel Repair, we diagnose and replace faulty glow plugs, inspect batteries and electrical systems, and ensure your fuel system is winter-ready. If your truck struggles to start, we’ll get it ready for any conditions.
2. Loss of Power When Towing
The Problem
If your truck struggles under load, hesitates when accelerating, or feels sluggish, there’s likely an issue with the turbocharger, fuel injectors, or exhaust system. These components work together to provide the power needed for heavy hauling—when one fails, performance suffers.
Warning Signs
- Difficulty maintaining speed while towing
- Increased exhaust temperature
- Hesitation or surging under load
How We Fix It
We specialize in Cummins, Duramax, and Powerstroke repair, diagnosing turbo, injector, and exhaust issues to restore lost power. If your truck isn’t pulling like it should, we’ll get it back to peak performance.
3. Black Smoke from the Exhaust
The Problem
Thick black smoke from your exhaust means the engine is burning excess fuel—often due to clogged injectors, a failing turbocharger, or a restricted air intake. Ignoring this issue can lead to long-term engine damage and costly repairs.
Warning Signs
- Excessive black smoke under acceleration
- Strong diesel smell from the exhaust
- Rough running or poor throttle response
How We Fix It
At Archie & Sons Diesel Repair, we use OEM-level diesel engine diagnostic tools to accurately identify the cause of excess smoke. Whether it’s a failing fuel injector, turbo issue, or air intake restriction, our experts will fix the problem to restore your engine’s performance, efficiency, and reliability.
4. Decreased Fuel Efficiency
The Problem
If your truck is burning more fuel than usual, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s costing you money. Dirty injectors, turbo inefficiencies, or excessive idling can all contribute to poor fuel economy and reduced engine performance.
Warning Signs
- More frequent trips to the pump
- Noticeable drop in miles per gallon
- Sluggish acceleration
How We Fix It
We provide comprehensive fuel system diagnostics and repairs to ensure your injectors, turbo, and engine operate at peak efficiency. If your truck is using more fuel than it should, we’ll identify the issue and help restore its fuel economy—saving you money in the long run.
5. Fuel Injector Failures
The Problem
Fuel injectors are critical for delivering the right amount of diesel fuel to your engine. Over time, they can become clogged, leak, or fail entirely, leading to misfires, rough idling, and excessive exhaust smoke.
Warning Signs
- Hard starts and rough idling
- White or black smoke from the exhaust
- Knocking noises from the engine
How We Fix It
We use dealer-level scan tools to run injector balance tests, catching failing injectors before they cause major damage. If your truck isn’t running smoothly, we’ll diagnose and replace injectors to restore performance.
Professional Light-Duty Diesel Repair Done Right
Ignoring engine issues doesn’t just lead to bigger repairs—it leads to costly downtime. At Archie & Sons Diesel Repair, we take the guesswork out of light-duty diesel repair. Using OEM dealer scan tools, oscilloscopes, and specialized diesel equipment, we accurately diagnose Cummins, Duramax, and Powerstroke engine problems, ensuring your truck gets the right fix the first time.
Why Trust Archie & Sons Diesel Repair?
- Family-Owned Commitment – We treat every truck like part of our own fleet, building lasting customer relationships.
- Reliable Repairs – Backed by a 2-year/unlimited mileage warranty on most services and 2-year/100K-mile coverage on powertrain repairs.
- Hassle-Free Service – Offering financing through Affirm, after-hours drop-off, text-to-pay, and towing assistance for your convenience.
Get Back on the Road Today
Your truck is built to work hard, but even the toughest engines need expert care. At Archie & Sons Diesel Repair, we’re “working hard for the hard-working“—making sure your diesel engine stays reliable for every job ahead. Whether it’s a minor issue or a major repair, trust our skilled team to get it done right.
Visit Us: 153 Old Mt Olive Hwy, Dudley, NC
Call Now: (919) 221-0008
